Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in Stafford flat

A man has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was found in a flat in Stafford.

Officers from Staffordshire police were called to Eagle House, a temporary accommodation property on Newport Road, at about 10.30am on 29 July to reports that a woman had died.

The victim has been named as 31-year-old Rebecca Simkin, from Stafford.

Wayne Bond, 44, from Stafford, has been charged with murder. He appeared at a hearing via video link from HMP Dovegate on Monday 5 August and spoke only to confirm his name.

Bond will be required to attend a plea and trial preparation hearing in October.

The judge, Kristina Montgomery KC, told Bond: “You will next appear in court in October and I expect you to be produced in person.”

The housing association’s spokesperson said: “On Monday morning we became aware of an issue in a tenant’s apartment at Eagle House.

“We immediately called the police and are supporting them as they investigate. Since then we have made sure additional support was made available to tenants and colleagues at Eagle House.

“We also send our thoughts and sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.”

The property offers temporary accommodation for people between the ages of 18 and 64 who find themselves homeless.